6 wardrobe essentials for your tropical getaway

Chances are you’ve been on vacation before, but perhaps it’s your first time going somewhere tropical. You’re already stressing about what to pack and the quantity of each item. You’re definitely going to be doing a lot of exploring and sightseeing. But once you see those sandy white beaches and glistening seawater, all you’re going to want to do is hit the lounge chair and escape into the sun rays.

Here are six wardrobe essential for your tropical getaway:

1. Bathing suit(s)

This probably goes without saying, but don’t forget to pack a bathing suit – or multiple if you’re the kind of gal who likes to switch it up day by day. Definitely bring a vibrant suit with a lot of personality, like this Jungle Fever Sundress below. You can wear this piece two ways: Pull the bottom of the suit down into a mini dress or scrunch it up to skirt length. The criss-cross bust line lifts you up a bit to further enhance your figure. Additionally, the intricate tropical print and exquisite coloring is perfect for your island getaway.

Now that you have a funky swimdress packed away in your bag, you need something a little more subtle because one piece of swimwear is never enough. Ladies, the Blitz Zipper Suit is a must have. The second you slip this suit on you won’t want to take it off. Its free-form “miracle” material is instantly slimming. The suit is jet black and embellished with a partial gold zipper and shirring fabric.

Jungle Fever Swimdress from Monroe and Main

2. Dramatic caftans

If you’re treating yourself to a little shopping spree before your tropical getaway, be sure to stock up on some caftans or long tunics – lots of them. Your caftans will come in handy because they can be dressed up or down. Wear one to the beach as a bathing suit cover-up, to dinner as a dress, or with a pair of white jeans for a day of exploring.

The Skin Perfect Caftan is a bit more whimsical with its rhinestone-rimed neckline, so wear it as a dress to a fancy dinner. The lush colors will look great with your tan, too! For the beach, slip on your tropical Rosette Emerald Caftan over your bathing suit. If you need a break from the heat, you don’t even have to change out of your swimdress, because this little number provides full coverage so you’re still able to shop till you drop and explore the island. You can’t go wrong with caftans because they are flowy and breezy and will keep you cool both on the beach or on the boardwalk.

Rosette Emerald Caftan from Monroe and Main

3. Splashy sundresses

Flattering dresses are another garment that you can never have too many of because you can wear them on any occasion – to the beach or for a casual or formal setting. Dress them up with a pair of wedges, or down with a pair of flip-flops. The Waffle Trapeze Dress is made out of breathable cotton that holds a waffle pattern, and the straps are adorned with faux tortoise rings. The crisp white coloring will enhance your fresh tan and keep your body feeling cool. Your neck should be bare to allow those delicate tortoise rings to stand out.

4. Patterned maxi dresses and skirts

Printed dresses and hi-low skirts are also essential for your tropical getaway. They are energetic and breathable, so you won’t be sweating under all that material. The Sizzling Maxi Dress is great for a night out on the island. Its empire waist is figure flattering, and the beaded halter strap and keyhole neckline add a decorative touch – no necklace needed here! For a casual daytime look, go with the exotic Tribal Beat Fringe Skirt. With every move you make, the fringe sways side to side, showing off a bit of leg. The elastic waistband provides extra comfort. Wear with a camisole and throw on a jean jacket in case your sunburned skin is making you feel a bit chilly.

Sizzling Maxi Dress from Monroe and Main

5. Cheery cropped pants

You have your skirts and dresses packed away, so now you need some lightweight, colorful cropped pants for those sightseeing days. The Stretch Button-Leg Capri is made from cotton and spandex, so there is plenty of room for you to extend those legs as you hike through the tropical rain forest. The pants come in array of colors like azalea, black, lime, orange, turquoise and white. Wear with a basic tee and a pair of colorful sneakers for extra comfort.

6. Shoes

Limit the number of shoes you bring because you’re most likely going to be spending majority of your time with your polished toes in the sand. You need one pair of comfortable walking shoes to wear in the airport and while you hike. You’ll need two pairs of strappy sandals: a casual pair for the beach and a dressy pair to go with your skirts and dresses. You only need one pair of wedge heels because they are super bulky and will take up way too much room in your suitcase. We know it’s hard deciding between your cork or wooden platforms, but go with the cork – it’s more tropical!